Transport for London  has appointed Cleshar as the contractor to lengthen some of the station platforms on the London Overground rail route in preparation for the introduction of longer trains.

Canada Water and Surrey Quays will both see their platforms extended.

At Rotherhithe there is no room for longer platforms so the lengthened trains will use selective door opening when calling at that station.

TfL’s director of rail Jonathan Fox said: “Although not yet six years old, London Overground must continue to grow its capacity. It’s hugely popular, with passenger numbers increasing by 87 million in its first four years of existence.

“While that rate will slow, we must still be ready to provide for the 810,000 new residents who will come to London by 2021.”

“We are pleased to be working with Cleshar on this crucial project and these upgrade works will be completed with the absolute minimum of disruption to services.”